CROSS LANES, W.Va.— Cross Lanes and the Cross Lanes Child Care Learning Center have been placed on provisional license status and had their capacity reduced to zero after a former worker was charged in a case of abuse.

The West Virginia Department of Human Services announced that the day care center said the status was due to findings of “serious noncompliance” with the state’s child care licensing regulations.

The decision was based on preliminary findings by the DoHS Office of Social Services, including evidence of violations including subjecting a child to physical punishment, engaging in psychological punishment, failing to report serious events within the required time frame, and failing to supervise teaching and assistance. staff to hold regular staff meetings, the press release said.

Court records say Amber Seiler, 29, of Kenova was charged with two counts of misdemeanor assault in addition to one felony count of assault on a disabled child. And she’s accused of hitting special needs children and spitting on a 4-year-old.

Cynthia Persily, secretary of the West Virginia Department of Human Services, said: “Today’s action will result in the center being unable to serve families or children while it is investigated. We believe this is essential for the safety of young people. Our priority remains the protection of children and we take all necessary measures to maintain this commitment. We understand the significant impact this closure can have on families and are here to support them in finding safe alternative childcare arrangements.”

The investigation was launched by Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office detectives after a mother with a child in Seiler’s classroom posted audio on Facebook allegedly captured on camera at Cross Lanes and Child Care Learning Center.

Detective JR Coleman said he spoke to a former worker who says she witnessed similar behavior between April and September of this year.

The investigation is ongoing. And these initial findings are part of that investigation.

Seiler is currently being held at the South Central Regional Jail on a $50,000 cash bond or bond in addition to two $1,500 cash bonds or a misdemeanor bond. If she were to post bail, she would have to be placed under house arrest and have no contact with minors.

Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 6 at 1 p.m